Tools of the Trade

[Garrett Ritter]

I want to know what tools you take on every trip aside from rod and reels and tackle. I know some guys that have a whole tool box full of things such as scissors, pliers, clippers, etc.. I personally only use a medium size pair of forceps and a knife that I made for utility purposes. Both are clipped on a belt loop for convenience. I'm interested in the things other people use because I enjoy learning from fellow anglers. 

Garrett Ritter

[Townie]

I regularly purchase hemostats, line snippers/sissors, pocket knives etc. promptly lose items & have to replace 'em...

[Allen Morgan]

I have a whole plethora of stuff in my tackle bag for when I'm walking.  But, for quick stops where I'm not to far from my vehicle, I primarily just grab my forceps, fingernail clippers, and a small tackle box with a few chosen lures, if I'm using my spinning rigs.  If I'm using my fly rod, then I grab my vest, which has two fly boxes, floatant, clippers, and forceps.

If I'm after bigger quarry than BG, I'm usually going to have my entire bag with me, which has all sorts of stuff in it.

[Steve Totten]

My number one tool is a good hat.  Without any hair on my head if I go out for more than a few minutes the sun burns my scalp.  For fishing tools, I always have a tool box in the boat with bigger tools.  Personal tools include a small pair of braid cutter scissors, a medium pair of forceps, a signal whistle, tippet straightener, a pair of aluminum fishing pliers, and way too many fly boxes.

[Garrett Ritter]

Interesting point. I completely forgot about a hat and also sunglasses. Sun protection is important.